Assistive Technology

This week I found that creating my Newsletter was very informative. I knew of many options for Assistive Devices in Technology but was surprised at what I was able to find for Motor Coordination. I think that both School Libraries and Public Libraries should both have availabilities for this technology. I have noticed while working in an elementary school that more and more students are challenged in some way. Special education classes could benefit highly from assistive technology in many ways. It is very interesting that some schools are fortunate to have the availability of funds to provide these devices whereas others do not. Budgets definately play a significant role in what is made available but I think that schools have to be more proactive in seeking out other means for funding such as Grants. On to next week.

richardson and simpson chapters 2

Wow, I was a little surprised by both these chapters this week. First to Richardson, Weblogs. This is my first time using a blog and I am finding that I really enjoy this. What I did not realize is how many functions a blog can serve especially in Education. I am now clearly understanding what a wonderful tool this can be for both teachers and students, although I do wonder about editing their content. For teachers I feel blogs are a wonderful opportunity to stay connected with fellow teachers and to share ideas. For students I feel that blogging can serve two purposes, educating and socializing and I feel there is a divided line between both. I think it is important if a teacher is going to use a blog in their classroom that the students be taught the proper way utilize them to their highest potential. Ok enough about blogging now on to Simpson. I do have to admit that all the copyright issues and laws disscussed in the first two chapters make one a little nervous about accidently violating them. Although Simpson does outline the laws clearly. I think it is important for an educator to understand basic copyright laws and to abide to them as best as possible. The penalties one might face were much steeper then I expected and the infringements were surprising because I never knew there were three different classifications. As I go through both books I cannot help but thinking what am I getting myself into. Technology has changed so much although I am finding new things daily and find it very interesting. Ok now on to chapters 3 and much more learing to do.

First thoughts of the week

I am very excited to be embarking on a journey through technology although I have to admit that at first the tasks ahead seemed daunting. The thought of joining a Wiki or developing a Blog made me think that there must be a whole world of technolgy and endless possibilities. When first answering my invite into the class Wiki I discovered that on some computers you cannot access the EasyEdit Button. I tried to use my Mini Dell Inspirion but found it does not appear, so I moved to my desktop and had no problem creating my profile. I also found it very easy to create a Blog..no problems there. I found that the attachments posted at the bottom of the weekly assignment page were extremely helpful in creating the requirements for the class. I am slowly becoming more comfortable with the Wiki although I am still trying to figure out how to find my classmates. This I am sure will come in time. As I cracked open the textbooks I found myself becoming very interested in the Read/Write Web. I have now conquered the first chapters in both books. I also found myself learning extensively about copyrighting..Until Next Week...

Hello and Welcome to my blog

Hi everyone in Lis 568! I am looking forward to working with everyone! Hope everyone had a restful break....